Pallbearers’ tribute to town crier Eddie

Tribute has been paid to former Lytham St Annes and Kirkham town crier Eddie Bowkett, who has died at the age of 83.

He held the role for two decades up to 2001 and during the 1990s, travelled to various parts of the world promoting Fylde.

Current town crier Colin Ballard is set to join other criers from around the county and beyond in acting as pallbearers at Eddie’s funeral, which will be held at St Thomas Church, St Annes next Wednesday, November 30 at 11.15am.

Colin said: “I visited Eddie on a number of occasions prior to commencing the role. He was a thoroughly lovely man who gave me a terrific grounding into the role.

“He was extremely proud of having run a town crier competition back in the 90s and having been to Canada to represent The Manor of Lytham.

“His is the first name engraved on the bell which I use at all events to remember his legacy to the Fylde area.

“I have his uniform and hope that one day it might be displayed in Lytham Hall.

“I am sorry to hear of his passing and will be privileged to assist carrying him home. His son always reminds me that ‘My dad wore that uniform better than you’.

“He was held in great esteem by fellow town criers, as shown by the fact that a group will act as his pallbearers.”

Eddie’s daughter Julie said: “My dad had a background on the stage – we performed as a family act – and he went into town crying after he and my mum retired from running a residential home in St Annes.

“He really enjoyed it and loved to promote the area. He was very proud of his many years in that role.”